Halcyon 6: Starbase Commander

 PC
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Gaming Nexus
    Oct 17, 2016
    88
    An addictive mix of strategy, RPG, exploration and storytelling, Halcyon 6 is slow to start but should satisfy anyone craving a deep, retro-affectionate science fiction adventure.
  2. GameWatcher
    Sep 16, 2016
    85
    Upgrading to the next tier of combat space ships was an easy highlight. It’s where you cross the boundary from struggling and nervous to overpowered and feeling like you can bring the entire galaxy down in blazing glory if you wanted to for a little while.
  3. Games.cz
    Oct 26, 2016
    80
    Halcyon 6 reminds us of a sci-fi version of HoM&M. Not only good things are related to this retro sticker, but also bad: initial unfair gameplay, confusing interface and repetitive gameplay. Still, the game offers the ultimate fun for anyone who ever wanted to become a commander of the space station in Star Trek-like environment.
  5. Vandal
    Oct 3, 2016
    80
    Halcyon 6 mixes 4X with other genres like RPG and management, and even though it sounds strange, the result is quite interesting. Definitely something different for strategy fans.
  6. Hardcore Gamer
    Sep 14, 2016
    80
    Despite a few small details holding it back, Halcyon 6: Starbase Commander is one of those titles that cannot be recommended enough to fans of 4X games, JRPGs or space-based science fiction. So much attention to detail was poured into the game, with enough moving parts working together, that it feels like a sprawling epic rather than the indie title that its low-fi graphics might imply.
  7. Twinfinite
    Sep 12, 2016
    80
    A deeply-involved game with a huge number of things to keep players busy. With a freshly-generated map and sequence of events for each new start, the experience is ever-changing and presents a wide variety of ways for players to approach it.
  8. COGconnected
    Sep 24, 2016
    75
    For those who want a fresh take on the 4X genre with charming graphics and tight combat, you could sink some serious time into this game, without question.
  9. Eurogamer Poland
    Sep 27, 2016
    70
    Massive Damage deftly combines several genres, but some aspects detract from other, better elements - especially resources gathering and waiting for buildings. Still, Halcyon 6 can be recommended for every fan of space exploration and management, often making us feel like in a Star Trek episode.
  10. Game Rant
    Sep 21, 2016
    70
    Halycon 6: Starbase Commander may lack the nuances of some of its peers, but it nonetheless delivers a charming and moreish strategy RPG for science fiction fans to enjoy.
  11. Riot Pixels
    Jan 26, 2017
    60
    Halcyon 6 has two serious problems: uneven pacing and inability to explain its rules to the player.
  12. Eurogamer Italy
    Dec 7, 2016
    60
    Halcyon 6 is an interesting mix of many genres that succeeds in creating an interesting setting and a fun gameplay but fails to keep it up for an acceptable amount of hours.
  13. USgamer
    Sep 14, 2016
    60
    Halcyon 6 has tremendous promise, but tedious resource gathering, repetitive combat, and bugs hurt what is otherwise an ambitious and interesting space sim. I can't quite recommend it right now, but I'd check back in six months or so: It may well be on its way to being something truly special.
  14. God is a Geek
    Sep 23, 2016
    50
    It feels like a missed opportunity. It starts okay, but it’s not long before the downtime or micro-management begin to push the enjoyable segments of gameplay further and further apart.
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In Progress & Unscored

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  1. Rock, Paper, Shotgun
    Sep 16, 2016
    If XCOM and Heroes of Might and Magic meets Star Trek/Farscape appeals to you (it does, doesn’t it?), and you’re happy to force your way past some initially confusing issues with the interface, you’ll almost certainly enjoy Halcyon 6. I have, despite my gripes, but it’s less than the sum of all those parts that I couldn’t help but see the edges of as I played, and I was longing for more engaging combat long before the end. Even if the galaxy continues to grow, I don’t think I’ll return even.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22
  1. JaydenPickens
    Apr 3, 2019
    9
    Great game. It's like a mix between Heroes 3 and South Park; Stick Of Truth... love it. Pickens approves!
  2. Babutto
    Oct 5, 2020
    7
    Pros.:
    - Pixel art;
    - The concept; - The development of the rogue-like games; - Strategic elements. Cons.: - Same over and over again.    Pros.:
    - Pixel art;
    - The concept;
    - The development of the rogue-like games;
    - Strategic elements.

    Cons.:
    - Same over and over again. Low versatility.
    - I couldn't evade the feeling that I'm just wasting time playing it. You may be buffed as hell and then lose in-room combat. It's simply stupid.

    So, it's definitely now my type of game. But will be liked by others for sure.    … Full Review »
  3. Sjalka
    Oct 1, 2016
    8
    Halcyon 6 feels to me like a VERY well done mobile game. ... Game mechanics are well done but do not go very deep (at all). Graphics areHalcyon 6 feels to me like a VERY well done mobile game. ... Game mechanics are well done but do not go very deep (at all). Graphics are colourful and nice - but nothing outstanding.

    Combat is too simplied for my taste. I would have loved to AT LEAST get combat mechanics similar to Disciples 2 (not 3) - With a focus on front row and back row, tanks and glass cannons etc. . Instead i get the usual jrpg combat - which ... do not get me wrong ... works and is fun ... but lacks another layer of complexity.
    The combat boils down to setting up your ship types in a way that you can play the "inflict - exploit" game. Which in turn becomes very much routine ... no matter what you fight against.

    And i am quite happy that the devs did not choose a grid based turn based combat (like Heroes VI or so) ... cause that would have made the combat too long. But a little more complexity while maintaining the fast paced turn based combat would have been nice.

    The story is not bad - and the quests run along nicely (although i happened to fulfil most quests without even knowing i had them - just by picking and choosing my targets randomly).
    The UI is very well done - avoiding silly submenus/pop-up menus. Music is ok - and FX is beefy enough.

    Now that may have sounded like quite a lot of critizism ... but i still give the game an 8/10. ... why? - because it is fun in short bursts. (kind of like a good mobile game)

    In terms of replayability - well... i am not so sure about it. The tech tree and choices are limited - possibly too limited to make another play through very different.    … Full Review »
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